A prayer to share
On Sunday, Pope Leo celebrated the canonisation of St Carlo Acutis, known as God’s influencer.
We have our own St Carlo Centre for the support of our young people in St Nicholas. We pray for the intercession of a saint who knows what it is like to be young in our times ;
We pray –
For young people to use their talents to serve others.
For our school community to live in faith and kindness.
For our families to grow in unity and love.
For the Church, that Carlo’s example may inspire young people across the world.
Loving God, you called St. Carlo Acutis to be an example of hope to young people.
Inspire us to use our gifts to build your Kingdom filled with justice and peace.
May we find ways, in our daily lives, to be examples of goodness, joy, and service.
St Carlo – Pray for us.
Amen
Welcome back
It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back to St Nicholas Catholic High School & Sixth Form after the summer holidays. The school is full of energy and enthusiasm, and we are especially proud of our new Year 7 students, who have made such a positive and confident start to their journey with us. Their attitude and eagerness to get involved have been impressive. It has also been a joy to see our Sixth Form students settling in so well—both those continuing from Year 11 and those joining us from other schools. The sense of community and excitement for the year ahead is inspiring.
Open Evening – Thursday 25th September
We look forward to welcoming future St Nicholas Students to experience our school for our Open Evening Thursday 25th September 6-8pm. No need to book.
Library and Literacy
Welcome to Year 7
A massive well done to all of our year 7s. They have settled in incredibly well and it already feels as though they are part of our St Nicholas family. They have arrived at school ready to learn, dressed super smartly and with a really positive attitude. There have been lots of new lessons, new teachers, classrooms and new friendships made. We’re looking forward to sharing more new experiences and challenges over the coming weeks.
Mrs Buckley and Mr Evans-Palin
Safeguarding
St Nicholas Catholic High School
Parents
Safeguarding
Information
Safeguarding Information
County Lines and Child Criminal Exploitation
As your child becomes more independent and spends more time away from the house, out with peers you may worry about them becoming involved in drug dealing and violence associated with county lines.
What is County Lines? It’s when gangs and organised crime groups exploit children to transport and sell drugs, normally between big cities. Young people are groomed into believing they have friends and may be given gifts / a lifestyle that is appealing.
What to look out for?
Unexplained money, clothes. Having a new / several mobile phones. Dropping old friends and interests. Not going to school. Staying out longer / going missing. Unexplained phone calls / seeming edgy.
What to do about it?
- Talk to your child, stay calm and ask them about what’s going on for them. Explain you’re worried and want to keep them safe.
- Report it if necessary to the police…remember it’s not you / your child’s fault. They are the victims.
- Gather evidence. If they’re picked up in a car / get a train keep the registration / ticket.
- Talk to school and we will advise.
Where to find support:
www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/drug-trafficking/county-lines
www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/gangs-criminal-exploitation
Safeguarding Information
Online Safety and Supervision
The internet is a great place for children to learn and create social opportunities with their peers when used appropriately and you as the parents and carers monitor their usage to keep them safe. The best way to monitor is to have open and honest conversations about their behaviour online and the potential consequences negative behaviours can have.
Most online apps have a legal age of 13 years old for a reason.
What can you do as a parent?
- Remember it’s ok to not know everything about the internet and online sites.
- Have conversations regularly with your child about their friends and which games / apps they play.
- Have an agreement you have their passwords and do random checks as part of your lifestyle.
- Take their phone off them before they go to bed.
- Ensure parental controls are in place in their security settings.
- Educate them about the potential risks.
Where to find support:
Parents and Carers – UK Safer Internet Centre
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child | YoungMinds
Safeguarding Information
Support agencies available:
Dear Albert – support for adults wanting to positively change their lifestyle of misusing alcohol and substances. Dearalbert.co.uk 0800 880 3153 or text 07712707999
ThinkUKnow – The National Crime Agency’s CEOP Education Team aim to help protect children & young people from online child sexual abuse. There is a parent/carer section to help you around the risks of abuse online to reduce / limit the risk. The website is thinkuknow.co.uk
Parents Protect – Offer advice and guidance regarding online safety. Here you can find a family safety plan to draw up & agree with your child. Their website is parentsprotect.co.uk
Childline very much has an attitude of no problem is too big or too small. They are there to help & give advice if and when needed 0800 1111
Mental health Crisis line – 24/7 support. 0800 145 6485
Domestic and Family Safety Unit – support for those who are suffering domestic abuse 01606 351375
Domestic abuse support for men:
Respect – 0808 8010372 https://mensadviceline.org.uk
Mankind.org.uk – 01823 334244 (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm)
Domestic abuse support for women:
Clare’s Law – support for adults as a person has a right to ask the police whether a current partner presents a risk of violence.
Tomorrow’s women (domestic abuse, substance misuse, wellbeing and confidence) 01244 906494
Refuge Women’s aid – 0808 2000 247
Safeguarding information
Motherwell – are you a mum struggling yourself due to the mental health challenges your child currently has – reach out and speak. 01606 557666 or www.motherwellcheshirecio.com
The Respect Phone Line – are you worried that you are the abuser and want help. Ring 0808 802 4040 or email info@respectphoneline.org.uk
Papyrus – charity dedicated to preventing suicide for people under the age of 35. 24/7 support. Call 0800 068 4141 or Text 07860 039967.
Rasasc – Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre. Support, advice, counselling for children and young people aged 5-18 who have suffered sexual violence 0330 363 0063 or support@rapecentre.org.uk Their website is www.rapecentre.org.uk
Beat is around supporting those who you think may have an eating disorder. They offer support understanding the different types & how you can help & support them. Their website is beatingeatingdisorders.org.uk and their contact details are; 0808 801 0711 or fyp@beatingdisorders.org.uk
V-i-a – support around drug & alcohol misuse for children & young people under the age of 18. Their contact number is 0300 303 4549 or email cwacyp@viaorg.uk
Young Carers – support for children 6 – 18 years of age who are providing care for a parent or sibling. Support through drop ins, activities, one to one & residential experiences. Their website is www.cheshireyoungcarers.org/contact Contact details are 0151 356 3176, info@cheshireyoungcarers.com
Family Lives – Parenting and family support available. Call / email / online chat for support on lots of topics around family. 0800 800 2222 or familylives.org.uk
Grief & Loss – don’t sit quietly alone…reach out.
Winstons Wish / Grief Encounter / Hope again /
Child bereavement UK / Young Minds Website
Safeguarding Information
St Nicholas’ Safeguarding team
Mobile phones
At St Nicholas Catholic High School, we are committed to creating a safe and focused learning environment for all students. As part of this commitment, mobile phones are not permitted anywhere on school grounds during the school day. Phones can be distracting, disruptive, and may undermine the respect and attention that every member of our community deserves. If a phone is seen, it will be confiscated immediately and can be picked up from student support at the end of the school day. Repeated incidents may result in further consequences. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere for learning.
Sporting Success – Trampolining
On Saturday 30th August Deacon Kay 9B and Jamie Kay 7K took part in the Liverpool Summer Open 2025 at Liverpool Trampoline Gymnastics Academy and placed as follows – Deacon 2nd in the Mixed Trampoline Novice Category age 13-14. Jamie 1st in the Mixed Trampoline Novice Category age 11-12.
On Saturday 6th September Jamie also took part in the Urban School of Gymnastics Hawaiian Invitational Trampoline Competition and placed Level 3 TRA, 1st for Set routine, 1st for Vol routine and 1st overall.
Well done to both Jamie and Deacon!
Community notices
Cheshire Autism Practical Support
Courses supporting Parents.
Art Club at Sandiway Library
Dyslexia-friendly books for children and teens
At Sandiway Library, we have lots of dyslexia-friendly books for children and teens. These books have accessible layouts and font, off-white paper to reduce visual stress, short chapters, and other features to make reading more manageable. With adventure stories, comedies and more, there is something for everyone. Look out for the books with yellow stickers on the shelves. We also have lots of popular cartoon books and graphic novels – including Dog Man, Bunny Vs Monkey, Pokémon, Heartstopper and One Piece.
If you prefer to listen to audio books, you can do so via the library’s BorrowBox app – it’s a relaxing way to enjoy books and develop vital listening, communication, and vocabulary skills. On BorrowBox, you can also read e-books. Simply select an e-book, click on the aA button at the bottom of the screen and change the Font option to Dyslexic. You can also change the page background to a sepia tone.
It is free-of-charge to join the library. You can join in person, online or over the phone, and you don’t need to bring any ID with you. Once you have joined, you can borrow books, e-books and audio books for free, plus access free Wi-fi, use the computers free-of-charge, and enjoy free refreshments and social activities. Join now: call Sandiway Library on 01606 271767 or visit us online Libraries | Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Attendance
Everyone matters – so attendance matters
Upcoming dates
Monday 8th September : GCSE & A Level Practical PE Evening 5pm
Monday 15th September : Year 12 Battlefield, Knutsford Induction Day
Wednesday 17th September : Race for Life – tbc / Year 11 Information Evening
Thursday 18th September : Whole School Mass
Monday 22nd September : PTFA Meeting 5.15-6.15pm
Tuesday 23rd September : Year 11 Post 16 Fair
Wednesday 24th September : Year 10 & 11 Drama trip to Woman in Black, Storyhouse
Thursday 25th September : Whole School Open Evening 6–8pm
Friday 26th September : European Day of Languages / KS5 trip to UK & Apprenticeship Fair
Tuesday 30th September : Year 7 RE Retreat Day / Year 10 Information Evening
Tuesday 21st October : Sixth Form Open Evening 6–8pm
